Best Lenses under $500 for street photography

Best Pick

Panasonic LUMIX G G 25mm f/1.7 ASPH.

82.9 Street Score
25-50mm f/1.7 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

With its fast f/1.7 maximum aperture and 50mm-equivalent focal length, this lens excels at creating sharp portraits with smooth background blur. Its inclusion of two aspherical elements helps control optical aberrations for strong image quality at a very accessible price point. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds photographers seeking an affordable, lightweight prime for everyday shooting and portraiture.

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4

80.4 Street Score
17mm f/1.4 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Its fast f/1.4 aperture and compact 247g metal build make it a standout for its price, offering excellent low-light capability and a solid feel. The lens provides a versatile 34mm equivalent focal length and a smooth 10-blade diaphragm for pleasing bokeh, though it lacks autofocus and weather sealing. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds shooters seeking a manual, affordable prime for environmental portraits and street photography where its character and speed are assets.

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TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4 lens
Price $139

Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN

77.7 Street Score
16mm f/1.4 micro_four_thirds
Why we recommend this

Its fast f/1.4 maximum aperture provides excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for a Micro Four Thirds system. The lens offers a versatile 24mm equivalent focal length, making it a compact and practical wide-angle prime. This lens is best for portrait photographers seeking a flattering wide-angle perspective and videographers needing strong performance in dim environments.

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Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8

77.4 Street Score
45mm f/1.8 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Its bright f/1.8 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and a pleasing bokeh effect ideal for portraits. The lens is remarkably compact and lightweight at just 116g, making it a perfect everyday carry for Micro Four Thirds shooters. This lens is best for portrait and street photographers seeking a high-quality, 90mm-equivalent prime that prioritizes portability without sacrificing sharpness.

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Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 lens
Price $250

Panasonic G 42.5mm f/1.7 Aspherical Power O.I.S.

81.4 Street Score
43mm f/1.7 Micro Four Thirds IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.7 aperture delivers excellent background blur for portraits, while built-in stabilization makes it versatile for handheld video work. As a compact and affordable prime lens, it offers strong value within the Micro Four Thirds ecosystem. This lens is best for portrait photographers and vloggers seeking a lightweight, stabilized lens for creating a shallow depth of field.

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Yongnuo YN12-35mm F2.8-4M Standard

74.7 Street Score
12-35mm f/2.8 Four Thirds IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture across a 24-70mm equivalent zoom range provides reliable low-light performance and a versatile field of view for Micro Four Thirds shooters. The lens features a metal mount with a dust-proof seal and uses an STM motor for quiet, smooth autofocus, making it a practical and well-built option. It's best for Micro Four Thirds videographers and documentary shooters who need a compact, all-purpose zoom with silent focusing.

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Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II

72.9 Street Score
35mm f/0.95 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Its f/0.95 maximum aperture delivers exceptional low-light performance and a very shallow depth of field for a Micro Four Thirds lens. The manual focus design and solid metal construction provide a tactile, deliberate shooting experience. This lens is best for portrait and studio photographers seeking a unique, character-rich look on their MFT cameras.

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Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II lens
Price $359

OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 II

72.5 Street Score
25mm f/1.8 Micro Four Thirds Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 25mm focal length offers a versatile 50mm full-frame equivalent, ideal for street photography and general use. The fast f/1.8 aperture provides solid low-light performance and subject separation at a lightweight 156g. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds shooters needing a compact, everyday prime for stills and video.

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OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 II lens
Price $450

Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm F/3.5-5.6 G Power O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds

71.2 Street Score
12-60mm f/3.5 Micro Four Thirds IS
Why we recommend this

Its compact 227g Micro Four Thirds design and splashproof build make it a durable, lightweight travel companion. The 12-60mm range (24-120mm equivalent) provides versatile focal lengths for daily shooting, aided by integrated Power O.I.S. stabilization. This lens is best for travel photographers and videographers needing a reliable, all-weather zoom paired with a compatible Lumix camera body.

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Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm F/3.5-5.6 G Power O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds lens
Price $330

Laowa 7.5mm f/2 MFT

70.8 Street Score
8mm f/2 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Its ultra-wide 15mm equivalent focal length and bright f/2 aperture make it ideal for capturing expansive scenes in low light. The lens is exceptionally lightweight at 150g and features a manual focus design that prioritizes precise control. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds photographers who need a compact, wide-angle prime for astrophotography or immersive street photography.

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Laowa 7.5mm f/2 MFT lens
Price $399

Rokinon Rokinon 12mm f/2.0 CS Lens for Micro Four Thirds

69.1 Street Score
12mm f/2 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Its fast f/2.0 aperture and 12-element optical construction deliver bright, sharp images for low-light and astrophotography. This 255g manual-focus prime is exceptionally compact, making it a highly portable choice for travel. It's best suited for Micro Four Thirds photographers seeking an affordable, wide-angle 24mm-equivalent lens for landscapes and night sky shots.

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Laowa Argus 25mm F/0.95 APO

68.4 Street Score
25mm f/0.95 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Its exceptionally fast f/0.95 aperture enables stunning subject isolation and low-light performance for Micro Four Thirds cameras. The lens is an internal-focusing design, keeping its length constant and minimizing dust intrusion during operation. This prime is best for portrait photographers and videographers seeking a cinematic look with a classic 50mm equivalent field of view.

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Laowa Argus 25mm F/0.95 APO lens
Price $399

Laowa Zero-D

66.1 Street Score
9mm f/2.8 Micro 4/3 Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a 9mm f/2.8 prime design with a "Zero-D" optical formula that delivers exceptionally low distortion, making it ideal for architectural and landscape photography. The lens is remarkably compact and lightweight at 215g, and its weather-sealed, water-repellent build is perfect for outdoor use. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds shooters who need a portable, ultra-wide prime for travel and astrophotography where manual focus control is preferred.

Panasonic LUMIX G X Vario G X Vario PZ 45-175mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S.

64.5 Street Score
175mm f/4 Micro Four Thirds IS
Why we recommend this

Its 90-350mm equivalent focal range provides a versatile telephoto reach in a compact package, supported by Power Optical Image Stabilization for handheld shooting. The lens incorporates a Nano Surface Coating to reduce flare and ghosting, enhancing contrast in challenging light. This lens is best for photographers needing a lightweight, extended zoom for portraits or distant subjects like wildlife, where its stabilization is a key asset.

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Panasonic LUMIX G X Vario G X Vario PZ 45-175mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. lens
Price $448
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7Artisans 35mm f/1.2 Mark II

64 Street Score
35mm f/1.2 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.2 maximum aperture provides exceptional light gathering and shallow depth of field for a Micro Four Thirds lens. The compact 218g build and manual aperture ring offer a tactile, portable shooting experience. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds photographers prioritizing portability and creative bokeh in portrait or low-light street photography.

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7Artisans 35mm f/1.2 Mark II lens
Price $97

Meike 35mm f0.95 Large Aperture Manual Focus Prime Fixed

64 Street Score
35mm f/0.95 Micro Four Thirds IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/0.95 maximum aperture delivers exceptional low-light performance and a very shallow depth of field for a Micro Four Thirds lens. The all-metal construction provides a notably solid and premium feel uncommon at this price point. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers seeking a cinematic look from their Olympus or Panasonic bodies, though its manual focus and weight make it less ideal for casual travel.

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Best Lenses under $1,000 for street photography

Best Pick

Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 9mm f/1.7 ASPH.

82.8 Street Score
9mm f/1.7 Micro Four Thirds Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.7 maximum aperture and compact 130g build make it a uniquely fast and portable ultra-wide prime for Micro Four Thirds. The lens offers a versatile 18mm full-frame equivalent field of view and a remarkably close 3.7-inch minimum focusing distance for creative perspectives. This lens is best for street photographers and vloggers who need a bright, wide-angle option in a very lightweight package.

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Great Alternatives

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OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 20mm f/1.4 PRO

82.6 Street Score
20mm f/1.4 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and 40mm equivalent focal length make it a versatile, fast prime ideal for low-light shooting and subject isolation. The compact 247g design and Micro Four Thirds mount provide excellent portability for a lens of this speed. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds shooters prioritizing street photography and environmental portraits where a natural field of view and shallow depth of field are key.

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Sigma Contemporary

78.4 Street Score
56mm f/1.4 Micro Four Thirds Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its bright f/1.4 aperture and sharp optics deliver excellent low-light performance and beautiful bokeh for portraiture. The compact, 281g weather-sealed build offers great durability and portability for its class. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds photographers seeking a dedicated, high-quality portrait prime for both studio and outdoor work.

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Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2

68.9 Street Score
12mm f/2 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Its fast f/2.0 aperture and compact 12mm focal length make it a sharp, versatile prime lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras. The inclusion of two aspherical elements helps control optical aberrations, contributing to its strong performance for portraits. This lens is best suited for Micro Four Thirds photographers seeking a high-quality, wide-angle prime for environmental portraits and street photography.

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Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2 lens
Price $550

Panasonic Lumix G Vario G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 II Aspherical

71.7 Street Score
14-140mm f/3.5 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Its versatile 14-140mm zoom range and durable, splash-resistant build make it a reliable all-in-one travel option. The inclusion of Power O.I.S. stabilization and quality optics with aspherical and ED elements ensures sharp images even in challenging lighting. This lens is best for travelers and landscape photographers who need a single, compact lens to cover wide-angle to telephoto perspectives.

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Panasonic LUMIX G X Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm f/2.8 ASPH POWER O.I.S.

69.4 Street Score
35mm f/2.8 Micro Four Thirds IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and built-in POWER O.I.S. stabilization make it a versatile, fast wide-angle zoom for Micro Four Thirds cameras. The lens offers a practical 24-70mm full-frame equivalent focal range in a compact, 306g package, balancing performance with portability. It is best for photographers needing a reliable, all-purpose zoom for everyday shooting and stabilized video work.

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Bower 24mm f/1.4 Wide-Angle

60.1 Street Score
24mm f/1.4 Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Its 24mm focal length and extremely fast f/1.4 maximum aperture provide excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for a wide-angle lens. The inclusion of two aspherical elements and multi-coating helps control optical aberrations and flare, enhancing image quality. This lens is best for portrait photographers on the Four Thirds system seeking a unique, wide-angle perspective with beautiful background separation.

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Samyang 24mm f/1.4 ED AS UMC Wide-Angle

53.6 Street Score
24mm f/1.4 Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Its fast f/1.4 aperture and 24mm focal length make it a versatile tool for achieving a shallow depth of field in wide-angle shots. The robust, all-metal construction with a 77mm filter thread provides a premium feel and compatibility with common accessories. This lens is best for portrait photographers seeking dramatic environmental portraits and for videographers needing a sharp, bright prime lens on a Four Thirds system.

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Olympus Zuiko Digital OM SYSTEM 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 Zuiko

40 Street Score
18-180mm f/3.5 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Its 10x zoom range (36-360mm equivalent) and compact 434g build make it a versatile travel companion. The inclusion of ED glass helps control aberrations for sharper images across the focal range. This lens is best for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize a lightweight, all-in-one zoom over maximum aperture speed or weather sealing.

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AstrHori 18mm f/8 Macro Probe

24.6 Street Score
18mm f/8 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Its 18mm focal length and unique probe design enable extreme 2:1 magnification for incredibly close-up macro work, though its f/8 maximum aperture limits light. The 1735g weight and fixed f/8 aperture make it a specialized tool rather than a general-purpose lens. This lens is best for dedicated macro photographers who need to capture minute details in controlled studio environments.

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Best Lenses under $1,500 for street photography

Best Pick

OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 25mm f/1.2 PRO

80.8 Street Score
25mm f/1.2 Micro Four Thirds Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.2 maximum aperture provides exceptional low-light performance and shallow depth of field for a Micro Four Thirds lens. The internal focusing design and manual focus clutch offer precise control for professional workflows. This lens is best for portrait and street photographers who prioritize a fast, classic 50mm-equivalent focal length.

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Great Alternatives

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Panasonic G LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm / F1.2

79.6 Street Score
43mm f/1.2 Micro Four Thirds IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.2 maximum aperture excels in low-light portrait situations, allowing for excellent subject isolation. The lens's advanced nano surface coating effectively reduces ghosting and flare for cleaner images. This lens is best for portrait photographers seeking a fast prime with exceptional rendering and bokeh quality.

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Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f/5-6.3 IS

71.3 Street Score
100-400mm f/5 Micro Four Thirds IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is its remarkably compact 120g build paired with an extensive 200-800mm equivalent zoom range, making it exceptionally portable for its reach. The lens is fully weather-sealed, allowing photographers to shoot confidently in adverse conditions without worrying about moisture or dust. This lens is best for travel and wildlife photographers who need a lightweight, all-weather telephoto option for handheld shooting on the go.

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Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4.0 Professional MFT

63.8 Street Score
8-18mm f/2.8 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

With a constant f/2.8 aperture across its 8-18mm zoom range, this lens delivers consistent performance for wide-angle shooting. Its Micro Four Thirds mount and compact 2.25x zoom design make it a versatile and portable option for travel and landscape photographers. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds users needing a reliable, wide-angle zoom for environmental portraits and travel vlogging.

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Best Lenses under $2,500 for street photography

Best Pick

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Summilux Leica DG Vario-Summilux 25-50mm f/1.7 ASPH.

72.7 Street Score
25-50mm f/1.7 Micro Four Thirds Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/1.7 aperture across the 25-50mm zoom range provides exceptional low-light capability and background blur for a Micro Four Thirds lens. It meets strict Leica optical standards, ensuring professional-grade sharpness and rendering for photographers and videographers. This lens is best for Panasonic LUMIX shooters prioritizing portrait work and run-and-gun video where a fast, consistent aperture is critical.

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These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Olympus M.Zuiko OM-D E-M5 Mark II Kit

41.2 Street Score
150mm f/4 Micro Four Thirds IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a highly effective 5-axis image stabilisation system, enabling sharp handheld photos and stable, cinema-quality video without a tripod. The camera pairs this robust, weather-sealed metal body with a compact, lightweight design for exceptional mobility. This kit is best for travel and adventure photographers who need reliable, high-quality performance in challenging outdoor conditions.

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Premium Lenses for street photography

Best Pick

OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f/2.8 IS PRO

60.4 Street Score
50-200mm f/2.8 Micro Four Thirds IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and 7-stop 5-axis Sync IS provide exceptional low-light performance and handheld stability for a super-telephoto zoom. The lens offers a full-frame equivalent 100-400mm reach in a relatively compact and portable package for its class. This lens is best for wildlife and sports photographers who need a long, fast zoom but prioritize a lighter kit for hiking or travel.

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Price $3,500
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f/2.8 IS PRO lens

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These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Panasonic Panasonic Leica DG Elmarit 200mm f/2.8 Aspherical

41.5 Street Score
200mm f/2.8 Micro Four Thirds IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its fast f/2.8 aperture and built-in optical image stabilization enable sharp, low-light telephoto shots, supported by a robust, weather-sealed construction. The inclusion of a 1.4x teleconverter extends its reach, while the Leica-branded optics with Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion elements ensure high resolution. This lens is best for professional wildlife and sports photographers using Micro Four Thirds systems who require a durable, long-reach prime.

Vazen 65mm T2 1.8x Anamorphic

16.9 Street Score
65mm Micro Four Thirds IS
Why we recommend this

Its 1.8x horizontal squeeze and T2 aperture deliver the signature widescreen look, oval bokeh, and classic blue flares essential for cinematic footage. The robust 1680g construction is built for set durability, offering reliable performance with minimal focus breathing. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds filmmakers using cameras like the Panasonic GH5 who want a dedicated anamorphic prime for narrative projects.